SJ: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Joe about this weekends race. Tell us a little bit about how you became an ultra-runner?JL: I was trained to run a PR marathon at Boston 2003, It was hot, I didn't have a fast race and decided to try something different. The I found the Vermont 50 in Sept 2003 (yes the rain year!). I finished 19th out of 98 people and had never run more than 30 miles before the race. I was hooked !!!

SJ: How many times have you run the Vermont 100? And what were your years/times?JL: Four Time; 2004 - 22:18, 2006- 24:15, 2007 - 23:28, 2008 - 23:19

SJ: Of those finishes, which was your favorite?JL: 2004 just because it was my first 100

SJ: What other 100's have you run?Western States 2007, Wastach 2007

SJ: You had a little bit of disappointment last month at the WS100, can you tell us what happened?JL: I ran the first 70 miles of The Keys100 and had hydration issues 6 weeks before WS. The cold New England June didn't help prepare me for the Canyons and the 100 degree heat. I was part of the sodium study and my reading was 178 at Robinson Flat, it was a struggle to make cutoffs after that.

SJ: What do you think makes Vermont unique from other 100 milers?JL: The Green Mountains!

SJ: What are the keys to success at the Vermont 100?JL: Patience.

SJ: Any advice for the first timers joining us at Silver Hill Meadow?JL: Drink and eat Early. Run within yourself and walk through the bad patches.

SJ: Buckle or Plaque?JL: Buckle

SJ: Do you have a time goal or ANY goals for that matter?JL: 23- 23:59 :)

SJ: Who is your pacer and who is your crew?JL: No pacer, my wife and kids crew.

SJ: What is your overall race strategy?JL: Drink and drink !

SJ: What are you excited about the most?JL: Seeing friends old and new!